A Wander around Wymeswold

Hello Lovelies,

do you sometimes travel through a place and think how nice it looks, but never get the chance to explore it further? The village of Wymeswold is one of the many places that falls into that category for me.

Today I had the chance to remedy that. 

I parked by this wonderful (weeping willow lined) stream that runs through the streets. How great is that.

And walked in the direction of a local Nature reserve I had spotted on my map.

I didn't get far before these cute lambkins caught my eye. Got to love those pink ears in the morning sun.

Awww.

Double Awww. Look at that little guy sleeping with his mum.

Tearing myself away from the woolly wonders I soon reached the edge of the village.

And noticed I had been walking along Brook Street. A very suitable name.

I spotted a sign for a public bridleway and began to climb. This is the view looking back.

and the view on-wards. How I love all the fresh green.

And the lack of mud :0)

Soon I was walking along the edge of a field and noticing how high the bright yellow Rape crop is.

and then I was a little confused about the correct way to go.

I followed the well trodden track.

It was so peaceful up here. The only sound was birdsong.

There were so many birds.

I loved this cute Yellowhammer ( thank you for correcting me Louise and CJ xx)

I was listening to the beautiful song of the Skylark as is hovered above. And at my feet bees buzzed.

Here I noticed some lovely Blackthorn blossom

 and my favourite butterflies enjoying the nectar from the early Dandelions.

Small Tortoiseshell.

Looking back towards Wymeswold.

I've zoomed in a bit here so it's clearer.

It was all so idyllic on a perfect spring day. But by this time I was getting hot and feeling lost. Oh dear I don't think this is the way.

 Better turn back and retrace my steps.

 Eventually I found the right track. Feeling happier I noticed these pretty catkins.

 and the birdsong again.

Hello Mr Robin.

Here I was glad to finally find the little nature reserve I had been aiming for.

The brook was shady.

and cool.

with a big meander that reminded me of school geography lessons.

I'm so glad spaces like this are protected for wildlife.

Eventually I came out at a road and smiled at the information board. The tiny stream is the River Mantle. I presume It gets much bigger further downstream.

Thankfully the road was quiet.

And I was soon back in the village.

Hello again River Mantle.

This white building with a plaque caught my eye.

I love old details like this...and Wymeswold is spelt with an i.

It really was a beautiful day to wander.

and notice the old buildings. This one is so tall and thin.

and this one is so pretty.

I loved the narrow streets.

and the impressive church.

It was great to finally get the chance to explore this lovely Leicestershire village.  And walk another 4 miles towards my 1000 mile challenge.

 

I'm hoping it won't be too long before I can tick another of my "must investigate further" places off my list.

I hope you enjoyed joining me
Jacquie x

A Woodland Walk in Early April

This morning's sun tempted hubby and I to go for a walk locally. None of the boys were keen to join us ( eldest is fully of cold and the other two still have a bad allergy...to walking! )

I decided we should head to the nearest woodland. Now the days are longer than the nights, and the sun has a little more heat, the landscape is looking prettier by the day.

All that fresh green makes my heart sing.

 I think I love spring so much because it is a season of firsts. New growth and the first sightings of favourite flowers always makes me smile. The delicate Wood anemones caught my eye.

And the Celandines shone in the sunshine.

New Birch leaves unfurling.

and old trees with great texture.

Here I smiled at this patch of sunny woodland floor, with Primroses, Wood anemones and Celandines.

There's still a lot of sunlight reaching through the trees and giving the early plants a good start.

The woodland really felt a special place this morning.

The first Bluebells. How perfect.

I spent a lot of time staring upwards, trying to spot the birds we could hear, without any luck.
 I'm not very good at recognising birdsong...but I did identify the Chiffchaff. It's song sounds like it's name. Hear it HERE.

 Suddenly there is so much green, and yellow.

 It's a very welcome sight and I can't wait to return in a few weeks to see the Bluebells at their best. Spring is just wonderful, don't you think.
Jacquie x